I find it amazing that while out walking my dog, Bosco, I realize he has gained celebrity status. Not as big as Lassie, mind you, but he still has that "aha" discovery factor when someone gets sight of him. I know or am acquainted with many of my neighbors, yet I have more people excitedly waving at me who, in reality, I have no idea who they are. Part of this confusion might be the sun in my eyes or tinted car windows, but many times I am just clueless. Their excitement is not in seeing me, but seeing my dog with me. "Look, there's Bosco!" I glance up and just politely wave back.
I try to practice my return wave to get it down pat. You know, that gentle cupped wave that royalty and pageant queens have mastered. I'm at a slight disadvantage as I am sure the Queen doesn't wave at her fans while gripping a poop bag. Alas, grace and coordination have never been some of my strong suits.
I do my best to disguise my surprise to Bosco's fan club. Along with the gracious wave, I simultaneously deliver the skilled expression of, "Ah yes indeedy, I recognize you!" Hopefully as people pass by in their vehicles, they are not able to read my lips as I ask Bosco, "Do you know who that was?"
I try to practice my return wave to get it down pat. You know, that gentle cupped wave that royalty and pageant queens have mastered. I'm at a slight disadvantage as I am sure the Queen doesn't wave at her fans while gripping a poop bag. Alas, grace and coordination have never been some of my strong suits.
I do my best to disguise my surprise to Bosco's fan club. Along with the gracious wave, I simultaneously deliver the skilled expression of, "Ah yes indeedy, I recognize you!" Hopefully as people pass by in their vehicles, they are not able to read my lips as I ask Bosco, "Do you know who that was?"
Cheers may be the place where everybody knows your name, but life B.D. (before my first dog, Mollie the Collie), nobody knew my name. With life A.D. (after dog), I was donned with the neighborhood nickname "Mollie's Mom." People still didn't know my name, and that was okay. But having a dog and walking the neighborhood was like having my own personal ambassador. Introductions were forthcoming. Genuine interest was shown in my dog's life, then in my life, and these greetings led to many new friendships. If I wasn't out walking my dog, the questions came—why not, is Mollie (and now Bosco) alright, have you been sick, is the dog feeling okay, how about that awful weather we've been having, were you on vacation, and so forth.
It occurred to me that the world needs more dog-like ambassadors who are able to neutralize situations. Dogs are blind to race, color, creed, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and politics. They give confidence to children, strength to the infirm, comfort the elderly, pure joy to the anxious. They know kindness, gentleness, assurance and love. They, like many other good-hearted souls, are eager to please. For a pat on the head, a bowl of kibble, a warm blanket, and a loving home, they are your forever friend. Mess with their loved ones, and they spring into action to protect their flock, their family. They have your back, no questions asked.
In this world where people are so eager to condemn, jump to conclusions and unwilling to communicate, let us take a lesson from dogs. Let us be ambassadors of goodwill in our neighborhoods, our jobs, our travels and in our schools. Let us learn to live simply, serve compassionately and love equally. And then, perhaps, we will sleep peacefully and behave confidently to know we have each other's backs.
In this world where people are so eager to condemn, jump to conclusions and unwilling to communicate, let us take a lesson from dogs. Let us be ambassadors of goodwill in our neighborhoods, our jobs, our travels and in our schools. Let us learn to live simply, serve compassionately and love equally. And then, perhaps, we will sleep peacefully and behave confidently to know we have each other's backs.
